Good Article for both the Beginner and Budget Conscience

This is one of those posts where I could write the differences between Mountain Bike categories and pretty much just take info from other areas, but instead just gave you it right from the Mountain Bikes mouth, if they had a mouths...I found this article on Squidoo.com titled How to Choose a Budget Mountain Bike I copied the categories below, but the article itself delves deeper with subcategories such as Riding preference, Suspension (hard tail versus Soft tail), Disc brakes or rim brakes and just some general info on the advancement of Mountain Bikes. Good info for the budget conscious and beginner Mountain Bikers.

I have pictures of examples (not necessarily low budget bikes just examples)

 

 
Mountain Bike Categories

Which one fits most of you're needs?

These are the most common categories:

1. Cross Country (XC)

Cross Country (XC) bikes are the lightest and most efficient to pedal, but aren’t necessarily the best for really rough terrain or the most comfortable.

2. Trailbikes (Trail Bikes)

 

 

These are the most common and most versatile mountain bikes. They are made for the most fun riding in the largest number of situations. They can take you almost anywhere, and they won’t wear you out doing it. They can come as either hardtail or full suspension.

3. All Mountain (AM)

 


These are essentially trailbikes with stronger frames and longer suspension travel. They’re best for riding more difficult (technical) trails with steeper descents, increased obstacles and small jumps. These days most are full-suspension, but there are still many hardtails to be found. Primary emphasis is difficult terrain.

4. Freeride (FR)

 

bikes are great for hard hitting trails, jumps and stunts. They are built to get you up the hills as well, but not very easily. These bikes are heavy and tough.

5. Downhill (DH)

 

These are built specifically for downhill racing. Don’t expect to be able to ride these on most terrains. You will need to find a way to get them to the top of hill or other incline, but once you are there, you won’t find a more fun and exciting way to get down no matter how rough the trail is.

6. Dirt jump

 

These are made for those who like to spend time with their wheels off the ground by performing aerial stunts. You’ll find these ridden mostly by the young (or young at heart) at designated bike parks. Primary emphasis is aerial stunts.